"Funding for these two programs is critical for finding a cure for diabetes and for improving the quality of life for those living with this chronic disease," said Senator Collins. "Federal support has been vital in achieving dramatic advances in areas such as islet transplantation which holds great promise in finding a cure as well as expanding diabetes programs and services."
Diabetes has a dramatic impact on the lives of those living with the illness and their families. In Maine, it's estimated that between 65,000 and 70,000 people are living with diabetes. People with diabetes are at risk of blindness, kidney disease, amputation, and other complications.
"There is, however, tremendous hope for these individuals and their families due to recent scientific advances that show real promise for curing this disease," the Senator said. "I'm extremely pleased that the House and the Senate has passed this legislation."
In addition to the human cost, diabetes places a significant strain on our health care system and costs the nation more than $100 billion a year in health-related expenditures. More than one out of every ten health care collars and about one out of four Medicare dollars are spent on people with diabetes.
The bill now goes to the President for his signature.